Meeting Rita

This is the first week this year I have actually spent real painting time in studio. It feels good. Really good.

Today, however, I had unexpected business in Dunedin. Alas...a slow, sputtering start to my push to paint! Oh, but don't be a negative Nancy, I chide myself, this is a great opportunity to visit the Dunedin Public Art Gallery. And because it is not truly in the Deep South, I don't feel compelled to write up a review!! Yeah, a visit just for the fun of it!!! Even better, the Rita Angus exhibition from TePapa is featured. Yes!!!

I enter the first floor display via the elevators, right into the "middle" of the vast exhibition. (For my non-New Zealand readers the First Floor is actually the second level in the building. The Ground Floor is the ground floor or first floor in the US...just an aside)

The grandeur of what I saw was overwhelming, actually. I've seen printed photographs and web images, and have encountered only one Angus face to face at Anderson Park in Invercargill. But, now I see Rita's entire life on display. And magnificently so. On every wall, from where I stand, on into cavernous rooms and alcoves in all directions. Oh my. I didn't know it till now. I love Rita Angus. I am not ready for the next thought. Look at all this!!! What makes me think I can paint? Breathe. Come on. Breathe.

Honestly, my secret thoughts before todays meeting with Rita.... what is the big deal about Rita Angus? I know now. Now that I look her straight in the eye. Straight into the many, many, sets of eyes of Rita Angus and friends and family.

I am immediately struck by the clear artistic vision consistent throughout the body of work. Rita's paintings reveal a willingness, even a mandate, to experiment, yet each stays true to her own inner vision and beliefs. And look how willingly she has put her life on display. Beautifully. Masterfully.

I study each piece, walking down the foyer toward the entrance. There it is. The title. "Rita Angus---Life and Vision". Of course. Her work evokes in me the exact words of the exhibition name. Without seeing it beforehand. Wow.

Walking along, reading each bit of information offered about Rita, I am amazed. Envious even. No wonder she could paint all this (and more, I'm sure). No kids. Then I see them. The studies. The spectacular pencil and wash ones, created soon after the tragic, soul crushing miscarriage. Oh my. And they're nude. Of Rita. She deserves every accolade. I am not willing to expose myself so vulnerably.

Rita is a grand tutor today. I want to be a good student. What do I learn from her?

I must stay true to my vision and to myself. Try new things. Experiment. Always search. Make friends with artists. Family and friends are important. She loved her family deeply. Family and friends are featured heavily her work. Be excellent in my artwork. Rita deftly painted gorgeous yet traditionally confident still lifes, florals, and landscapes in addition to the better-known Rita-styled works. And, paint, paint, paint. Rita was obsessed with painting.

I'd better leave. My daughter is waiting patiently in the foyer. Good by Rita. I'll be back. Class dismissed.